Day 9…Thanks to our faithful volunteers!

St. Francis of Assisi on the Sidewalk

I’ve been spending a great deal of time lately, studying the life of St. Francis of Assisi. As many of you know, this year (2026) has been proclaimed a Jubilee Year by Pope Leo, marking the 800th anniversary of St. Francis’s death. In fact, the date itself, October 3, 1226, falls just two days from now. It’s remarkable to think that eight centuries later, his witness still speaks so powerfully to the challenges of our own time.

Naturally, I find myself wondering how St. Francis (a man many believe most closely mirrored the earthly life of Jesus) would approach the tragedy of abortion. Specifically, how he might conduct himself at a 40 Days for Life vigil. I imagine he would embody every principle we commit to when we sign up for a vigil shift: prayerful, peaceful and with compassion. But more than that, I believe he would see Christ in every single person he encountered; those praying, those passing by, and even those entering Planned Parenthood.

I picture him offering a quiet, unwavering presence, pleading not through argument but through compassion. I envision him kneeling on the sidewalk, his face tear-stained by grief as he realizes that one of God’s innocent, vulnerable children has been lost. And if I stood close enough, perhaps I would hear him quietly reciting the prayer so often attributed to him, a prayer that feels almost tailor‑made for this moment:

“Lord, make me an instrument of Your peace; Where there is hatred, let me sow love; Where there is injury, pardon; Where there is doubt, faith; Where there is despair, hope; Where there is darkness, light; And where there is sadness, joy.”

“O Divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek to be consoled as to console; To be understood as to understand; To be loved as to love; For it is in giving that we receive; It is in pardoning that we are pardoned; And in dying that we are born to eternal life. Amen.”

Full disclosure, I signed up my Parish for a vigil shift a month ago and didn’t really give the date a second thought. Do you think it is a mere coincidence that I just realized I will be down there with my Church on Saturday, October 3^rd. Yeah, I just got Godbumps too!

The need for compassionate witnesses has never been greater here in Pittsburgh at this Fall 40 days for Life Vigil. As we honor St. Francis in this Jubilee Year, let us recommit ourselves to standing for the vulnerable as he did; with the same bold humility, firm in truth, rich in mercy, and steadfast in love. St. Francis of Assisi….Pray for Us!

Bill

Cheryl & Kathy 8-10

(From Cheryl) – Busy morning at first. A lot of things going on. Busy street, workers, we got late start😳 my fault! We got our prayers out and more. Rosary, Divine Mercy, Psalms 

Linda & Ken 10-12

(From Linda) -Thanks to Ken and Sam for joining me on this shift. It seemed a bit quieter than usual, but there were still at least 2 couples entering that appeared to be abortion-minded. A number of single women also entered and exited throughout the shift. No one was interested in taking any information.

A young man engaged me in conversation, asking about why we were here. He tried to steer the conversation to a broader discussion on the philosophy of each side of the issue, but I basically pointed out that we are here on the sidewalk because children are dying, and that all life is precious. I don’t think I changed his mind, but at least he was polite and courteous.

The building under construction next door was busy with workers laying brick. Towards the end of the shift they must have been grinding out mortar, because clouds of dust filled the air. Planned Parenthood itself appears to be undergoing some kind of renovation. (See the permit posted on the door.) A big burly worker came out of PP, actually complaining about how cold it was inside. Indeed, not only physically, but also spiritually!

Cil, Fr. Jim, Carolyn & Sam 12-2

(from Cil) – The weather was beautiful today. Ty to Fr Jim for bringing Eva and I. Carolyn’s daughter, Karen, came with her. And we were glad to have Ed and Sam with us for a while.

Two rosaries and a DM was prayed. We prayed for my cousin, Loretta, whose funeral was in DC today. Sad to miss it.

They had a bit of traffic at pp today but I didn’t get the impression that it was for abortions. Just other harmful things, no doubt. Ty Ed and Sam for trying to catch them.

Mia stopped to talk. She chose life 2 years ago thanks to Voices for Life and she said many of her acquaintances are against abortion now because she freely talks about it. She spoke at a Women’s Choice banquet. I showed her Little Lamb. She wants to donate and maybe volunteer! Just lovely! She thanked us and I suggested she come join us with friends. She seemed interested.

A woman walking by told us that abortion is a human right. What about the human right to life for the baby?

A guy walked by and declined to take material that I offered. So I said what I say to many who decline, “Please pray.” He stopped, turned around, and asked, “Are you asking ME, to pray?” I said, “Well yes, if you want. It would be nice, a good thing to do.” He just shook his head and walked away.

Karen found out there was a Robotics event at the Convention center. So I changed my tune and started handing out the Watch me Grow brochure to those out on lunch break. Told them it was “Science to share.” A few took and were reading.

Near the end two photo journalism majors from Point Park stopped by and took pictures. Then they spoke with us and took flyers. S & S were very friendly.

Only complaint today was the dust from the work they were doing nextdoor. When we arrived there was a cloud. Eventually they stopped.

Unfortunately Nikki didn’t have anyone to join her for the last shift so we broke down at 2.

Last shift cancelled due to lack of volunteer 🙁